LINDLEY SWIFTS Amateur Rugby League Club have a new home!

The former Yorkshire Cup champions, who have endured something of a nomadic existence since 1992, are finally moving to what they hope is a permanent base, at Birchencliffe Cricket Club, off Halifax Road.

The move is for the benefit of the younger members to provide improved changing facilities from those at their previous base, Bay Athletic.

There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in preparation for the coming season, and D J McCluskey Builders are giving their time free to put up a temporary shower block by the cricket changing rooms.

Meanwhile, work is being undertaken by other members to level sections of outfield to make a pitch as far off the square as possible.

In the long term it is hoped, with the amount of land there is, a new rugby field will be made that won’t encroach on the cricket pitch. The plan is also for a joint multi-purpose clubhouse.

Lindley secretary Jackie Cork said: “Some of the parents of the Under 10s are social members of Birchencliffe CC, so the move made sense. Hopefully it will encourage families to become members of both the cricket and the rugby factions so that once again the clubs can enjoy strong junior sections.

“The views are spectacular and there is a play park for youngsters, while having the clubhouse on the same site as the playing facilities is a massive bonus for the loyal supporters of the Swifts.

“Having been promoted last week and then reinstated in the Third Division, these are interesting and exciting times for the Swifts. And it’s a relief to finally have a base we can call our own.”

The sporting sides are looking forward to a prosperous future together – both through financial security and playing strength.

The cricket and rugby sections will take each other on in a Twenty-20 game during the annual Birchencliffe Fun Day held on Bank Holiday Monday (August 25), and the Under 10 sons have challenged their mothers to a rugby match on the same day.

The annual meeting for Lindley Swifts is on Saturday at 12.30 followed by a friendly away at Brighouse Rangers. Supporters are welcome at all events.

Anyone interested in sponsorship or playing should contact Jackie Cork on 07718 988786.